Ryan is a native of Salem, Oregon, and a graduate of Sprague High School. After high school, Ryan went on a two-year church mission to Venezuela, where he became fluent in Spanish. He later enrolled at Brigham Young University, and after running his own business for four years, decided he wanted to help others by becoming a lawyer. This led him to enroll in the University Of Connecticut School Of Law. After a year, Ryan returned to his roots and transferred to the University of Oregon to finish his degree. He earned numerous academic awards and achievements as both an...

Family law attorney Casey Sanders is fiercely committed to his client’s well-being. He understands that his clients are dealing with stress and uncertainty, and is determined to protect what is most important to them. Casey focuses his practice on divorce and custody cases, including parenting plans and parenting plan modifications. He is an active member of the Vancouver community and the Clark County Bar Association. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Clark County Bar Association Family Law Section.

Jeffrey Matthews is a partner at McKinley Irvin who has been practicing family law in Oregon for more than 30 years. Jeff handles a wide range of family law matters, including the valuation and protection of high net worth estates, business interests, and other issues involving property distribution, as well as high conflict custody litigation. As a family law advocate, he considers himself both a guide and an advocate. He is committed to helping clients protect what matters most to them. He has represented clients in over 100 trials and hearings throughout his career, but also focuses on cooperative communication...

Portland Legal Services specializes in Personalized Advocacy. This is a full service civil law firm. We cross specialize in several related areas of the law which means that we can offer you comprehensive solutions to difficult issues that require knowledge in several legal sub-specialties. We can help you with issues in the areas of: Family Law (Divorce, Custody, Support), Paternity, Bankruptcy (Chapter 7), Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law (Special Needs Trusts), Probate, Conservatorships, Guardianships, , Personal Injury, Auto Accidents, Small Business, Real Estate, and Civil Litigation. If you don't see your problem area listed...

I represent individuals and small business owners in Oregon and SW Washington. I specialize in complex and business related dissolution actions. My cases are typically in Washington, Multnomah or Clackamas Counties in Oregon and Clark, Cowlitz or Skamania Counties in Washington. I also handle cases other counties throughout Oregon and Washington, including Clatsop County, Lane County, Linn County, Marion County, Columbia County, and Grant County. Each county has different local rules that apply to family law cases. I am committed to making sure that I keep up to date on changes to rules of practice for each county I...

Joanna Posey became a lawyer because she wanted to help people. Drawn to family law after opening her own practice, Joanna takes pride in being able to empower her clients during an otherwise stressful and emotionally charged time in their lives. She finds it extremely gratifying to help a client take the first steps toward a new beginning, and enjoys working to resolve the unique issues in each case.

An Oregon native, I received both my undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Oregon, and now practice law in Hermiston and Pendleton Oregon. I spent over six years in the business world prior to earning my bar license, and apply both law and practical business application to develop solutions to client's individual problems. My total experience ranges from national companies on the stock exchange, to individual people. Every client dilemma is unique, and requires critical thinking to reach the best outcome. Choosing a lawyer is often a difficult decision for people in...

Mr. Romano attended Southern Oregon University (formerly Southern Oregon State College) in Ashland, Oregon where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, with a minor degree in Philosophy. He then received his Juris Doctorate at Willamette University College of Law in Salem, Oregon. While in law school, Mr. Romano clerked for the Marion County District Attorney’s Office and developed a taste for trial work. He was then admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 2000 and began his career as a prosecutor working in Klamath, Coos, and Deschutes Counties. In early 2006, he then opened his private...

Rita Herrera Irvin is a partner at McKinley Irvin, one of the largest and most exceptional family law firms in the Pacific Northwest region. She helped found the firm with Sands McKinley in 1991. Rita prides herself on being a tough advocate for her clients so that they can have the best possible chance of success. She takes the time to get to know her clients so that their goals can become her goals. Rita attended Seattle University School of Law, graduating with her J.D. in 1991. She is also a past board member with Centro Latino, a Trustee with...

I started my career working with the Multnomah County District Attorney in the domestic violence unit. I am now pursuing my dream of working closely with people who need help getting divorced and keeping their kids. My goal is to guide every client through this process by listening to their needs. Every spouse and parent has a story, and I will give your story a powerful voice in the courtroom.

As a family law practitioner, I am motivated by helping people through complex and emotionally difficult legal situations. I work with each client to define their goals and then provide an effective strategy well supported in the law to achieve those objectives. I focus my practice on family law issues, including divorce, child custody, child support, modifications, and relocation. I also handle collaborative divorce, de facto parentage and non-parental custody, step-parent adoption, and LGBT family law. Before becoming an attorney, I worked for the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office as a legal advocate for victims of domestic violence and sexual...

I live and work in Pendleton, OR, and also practice out of our Hermiston Office Location. I specialize in Family Law, including divorce, custody, parenting time, spousal and child support, asset division, and more. I offer low cost consultations and provide dedicated service to my clients. Experience the difference my legal services provide.

Shelley has been practicing law in Oregon for the last 18 years. While originally from Wisconsin, she has called Oregon home for the last 25 years and has no desire to live anywhere else. She has been a solo practitioner / small business owner since 2002 when she opened her own practice. She is dedicated to providing outstanding legal advice to her clients by advocating zealously, advising honestly and litigating tirelessly when needed.

I have worked as an attorney in Washington County since 1991. I received my Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1990, and a Bachelor of Arts, with honors, degree from Whitman College in 1987. I was on the Board of Directors of the Washington County Bar Association and am a past president of that organization. I am a member of the Oregon State Bar Family Law Section. I focus on helping clients with family law issues. You can learn more about me and my practice at www.mcneillawoffice.com.

Lauren Barnhart was always fascinated with “the rules.” She believes that rules create predictability and clarity, and apply to everyone equally. It was this fascination with rules that led Lauren to become an attorney. As an attorney, Lauren helps families navigate through what can be the most difficult time of their lives-divorce. She works to develop a relationship with her clients and demonstrate that their case genuinely matters. Lauren was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and was a member in the Tacoma Youth Symphony where she performed at Carnegie Hall. When Lauren is not assisting...

Teresa Foster is a partner at McKinley Irvin. A former social worker, she is now regarded as one of the most skilled family law attorneys in Vancouver. Teresa is a knowledgeable and formidable advocate with exceptional courtroom skills who focuses her practice on complex divorce cases, especially those involving high net worth property division, complex child custody issues, international family law, relocation, third party custody, and unmarried couples. She has successfully litigated cases in both Washington and Oregon. Teresa believes in providing her clients with personalized and responsive service, keeping her clients informed on the status of their case throughout...

Lillian Suelzle Watson established Gresham Family & Bankruptcy Law in 2001. Lillian was born and raised in Gresham, Oregon and received her Associate's Degree from Mt. Hood Community College and her BA in Communications from Marylhurst University. She graduated from Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark in December of 2000. Lillian is a member of the Oregon State Bar and the United States District Court in Oregon. She is also a member of the Multnomah Bar Association, (Family Law Estate, Planning and Debtor Creditor Sections), Oregon Association of Collaborative Professionals, Oregon Mediation Association and the Gresham...

I am the President of Hillsboro Law Group PC, an Oregon law firm dedicated to helping clients find long-term solutions to difficult legal issues. My practice focuses on family law and wills, trusts, and estates.

Deanna Ballou Jensen has over 20 years of experience as a family law attorney. Much of her practice at this point involves complex cases in all areas of family law. As a result she goes toe-to-toe with some of the toughest attorneys in the state. Her first goal in any case is to find a way for both sides to reach a fair compromise with each other that is also in the best interests of the children, if children are involved. However, compromise is not always possible, and when it is necessary to try a case...

Though I was born in Spokane, Washington and presently reside in Clark County, Washington, I have spent a good portion of my life residing in the Portland-metropolitan area. As a result, one of my objectives as a lawyer has always been to represent people in both Oregon & Washington.
I enrolled at Gonzaga University School of Law in 1996. That summer following my first year at Gonzaga, I was elected as an associate editor for the Gonzaga Law Review. and was also hired as a legal intern for Columbia Legal Services. This is where my exposure and love for family law...

Portland Divorce Lawyer, Jack Dekovich takes pride in preserving what he believes is Western civilization’s greatest contribution to the world: The Common Law system. “I love educating my clients-that although imperfect, the rule of law belongs to all of us.” Prior to attending law school, Jack was a volunteer teacher at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School. He also lived in Cameroon for several months teaching English and doing various community projects. In his spare time, Jack plays guitar, trombone, sings in a band and plays ice hockey on two community teams.

I am a former prosecutor with Multnomah County. I have extensive trial experience. My practice focuses primarily on Criminal, Traffic, and Family Law, but I will also take some civil litigation. I promise each client courtesy, care, and results. Please look at my website www.portlandcriminallawfirm.com for more information. With your case, experience counts. I have that experience and I will fight for you.

Before joining Stahancyk, Kent & Hook, Erica worked in the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. During that time, she appeared in court on behalf of the State for a number of criminal matters. While in law school, Erica worked as a judicial extern for the Lane County Circuit Court, where she gained additional valuable courtroom experience. Erica also worked on a variety of municipal law issues as an intern for the Crook County Counsel in Prineville, and the Office of the City Attorney in Bend. Before moving to Oregon, Erica worked as a U.S. Senate staffer and later as director...

Deidra is an attorney and Certified Public Accountant licensed in Oregon, Washington and Colorado with more than 18 years experience practicing law. Prior to becoming an attorney Deidra was a Captain in the United States Air Force, an auditor and management consultant with a national accounting firm and a business associate in several corporations. She strives to bring excellence to her practice and to assist her clients with difficult life and business transitions.

I have been an attorney since 1986, and engaged in family law almost exclusively since 1990. In 2007, I opened my own practice, Bier Family Law. Whether protecting my clients' custody rights and parenting time or advocating for a fair agreement in issues of support or the division of assets, I do everything within my power to do what’s right by my clients. I typically play the dual roles of counseling and hand-holding during the really rough moments, while acting as negotiator both in and out of court. I...

Lewis Landerholm grew up around family who served the public – families in particular. He became a divorce attorney in Portland so that he can help these individuals make the best out of a difficult situation. He began his career at the University of Oregon in Eugene, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He went on to Willamette University College of Law for his Juris Doctor. While in law school, he served as a part time law clerk, where he earned invaluable experience. Attorney Landerholm is quickly making a name for himself as a dedicated family law attorney because of...

Jeffrey K. Traylor is a divorce, child custody, and personal injury attorney located in downtown Portland. He graduated from Lewis and Clark School of Law in 2009 and has been running Multnomah Legal LLC every since. He has handled every aspect of both family law and personal injury cases from filing to trial. Multnomah Legal strives to provide professional, personal, and caring representation that clients need at a cost that they can afford. The firm's motto is "your family's lawyer" and that philosophy is taken very seriously. At Multnomah Legal Jeffrey strives to be there when you need him, and...

Mr. Palmer will work tirelessly to resolve your matter effectively and efficiently. His goal is to provide the highest quality legal service. He strives to bring superior communication and compassion to the attorney-client relationship and is completely dedicated to individuals and to the pursuit of justice for them.

James was born in Mississauga, Ontario. In middle school, he moved to Coppell, Texas, where he completed high school. He returned to Canada to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario in 2006. It was there that he met his wife, Brandi Baldock. They met playing hockey together on a co-ed intramural team.
James went to law school at the University of Oregon, earning his Juris Doctorate in 2009. At UO, he gained a lot of practical experience from his externship with Judge Carp at the Lane County Circuit Court, and internships at the Domestic...

If a person wishes to terminate his or her marriage, he or she may file for a divorce. In a divorce proceeding, the court will terminate the marriage and determine the rights and responsibilities of the divorcing parties regarding child custody, child visitation, child support and spousal support (alimony). The court will also redistribute marital assets.

Depending on where you reside and where your assets are, the division of property can be a very simple or very complex process. Disputes often arise during this phase of a divorce if the two parties disagree as to who should receive which assets or property.

Finding a divorce lawyer who is experienced and reliable can reduce your stress and help you make the best choices possible. A good divorce lawyer should be a problem solver who is skilled at negotiation and possesses a solid trial background. If both parties are open to alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration or mediation, finding a lawyer experienced in collaborative divorce or divorce mediation would be beneficial.

Divorce lawyers also handle child custody issues, including multi-state and international child custody situations. Some divorce lawyers may be certified by their states as being family law specialists. Certification often requires that a lawyer meet certain experience and educational criteria.

Legal Custody:
A parent with legal custody has the right to decide on the child's upbringing, education, and medical care. A court may grant legal custody to one parent (sole legal custody) or both parents (joint legal custody).

Separate Property:
Property acquired before marriage or during the marriage as a gift or inheritance, or bought during marriage with separate property.